How to Care for a Newborn the First Month

As a new parent, the first month marks a challenging transition. Between sleep deprivation and new surprises on a daily basis, the memories become a blur. With my second child, I've decided to write out small details that make the new-baby adjustment smoother. I offer tips and suggestions to help parents and babies prepare for the first-month marathon of sleepless nights and unexpected trials.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cookbook that includes grocery lists
• Bedside bassinet or co-sleeper
• Good sling
• Separate bedroom for your partner
• Daycare provider for older child (if it is affordable)

1. Have a reliable mode of transportation. You'll need to see the doctor at least three times in the first month. The first happens soon after birth. The second appointment is at two weeks, and once again at four weeks.
2. Buy a cookbook with grocery lists and weekly menu plans. Bottom line, come up with a food shopping plan that requires little browsing. Two cookbooks I recommend are "The Six O'Clock Scramble" by Aviva Goldfarb and "Saving Dinner" by Leanne Ely. They offer grocery lists, weekly menu plans, and you'll only need to shop once a week.
3. Invest in a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper. Waking up in the middle of the night to feed is precarious. Being half asleep, it's easiest to take care of the baby if she is within arm's reach. It's a safe bet to keep the baby close by, without having to go too far from bed.
4. Break up the baby's 15 minutes of "tummy-time." Place her on her stomach five minutes in the morning, in the afternoon, and at night. The baby fusses much less during these short intervals. And, it's an easy schedule to remember.
5. A good sling helps increase your productivity. Make sure it provides good back support. Invest in a type that wraps around your body. Avoid the "front-pack" type slings that pull on your shoulders. Recommendations include Maya Wraps and Hotslings.
6. If two people care for the baby, make sure one person gets a full night's rest. A separate bedroom helps one of you keep "fresh" and well-slept. The balance is beneficial to your baby, and helps offset times when the main caretaker needs rest.
7. Go to sleep between 10pm and 11pm (if possible). This will give you just enough rest before the baby's next feeding.
8. Read your "how-to" baby books before the birth. There's little time for analytical reading. Partially due to time limits, but mostly due to fatigue.
9. Swaddling during the first month has benefits. It strengthens the baby's arm muscles as they push against the binding. It also keeps them calmer. Their jerky little motions often startle them out of a good nap. Most newborns do not like being confined, but a gentle rocking will soothe and put them to sleep.
10. Find your passion! TV and internet surfing are mindless caffeine - they relax you, but you're still awake! When your show is over and the baby needs you, exhaustion sets in. Do what you really, really like to do. It helps you sleep better, and you give something back to yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Swaddle the baby below the shoulder level. Never swaddle around their head or neck. Never lay the baby face down, if swaddled. Always place the baby on his or her back to go to sleep.